We are all aware of the importance of sleeping well. Unfortunately, sleep problems are becoming more prevalent in modern society. Below, we look at the magnitude of sleep disorders such as insomnia and the effects they can have on our health and well-being.
LSLEEP PROBLEMS ARE INCREASINGLY COMMON AMONG ADULTS
The expression “sleep disorders” is very broad. There are all kinds of sleep related problems, and they all affect the person differently, producing different effects and symptoms. However, sleep disorders are becoming more common, especially among adults.
In the US, for example, between 50 and 70 million adults have some form of sleep disorder, according to the American Sleep Association. These include problems like falling asleep unintentionally during the day, or during certain activities (such as driving).
Insomnia, however, is by far the most common sleep disorder affecting adults. Approximately 30% of US adults report experiencing short-term episodes of insomnia, while approximately 10% suffer from chronic insomnia.
Insomnia, in its most basic sense, is a severe case of lack of sleep. It can affect a person’s ability to fall asleep or stay asleep, as well as make them not feel rested in the morning. Treatment of insomnia largely depends on understanding the underlying causes of the condition, which can vary.
Some patients, for example, may simply have unhealthy sleep habits. By changing these habits, they should be able to get into a healthy sleep rhythm. Other patients, however, may experience insomnia as a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as anxiety or depression.
Another very common sleep disorder that affects adults is sleep apnea, which is suffered by up to 20% of adult women and up to 30% of men in the United States. Sleep apnea is a very serious problem and, if left untreated, can increase the risk of heart attacks, glaucoma, and behavioral and cognitive disorders.
whatWHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON’T SLEEP ENOUGH?
Another growing trend affecting adult sleep patterns is lack of sleep in general. In fact, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of American adults don’t get enough sleep.
According to the American Sleep Association, adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. However, statistics show that up to 40% of adults do not meet that need. Research shows that this trend has been increasing in recent years; For example, in the 1940s, adults slept around 8 hours a night. Today, that number has fallen to 6.8, according to recent polls.
In fact, sleep deprivation is so common, especially among young adults, that it’s often a source of memes and other internet jokes. However, the effects of chronic sleep deprivation are far from a laughing matter.
When you don’t get enough sleep, acute short-term symptoms such as irritability, headaches, and slow or longer reaction times can occur. It’s also possible to make more mistakes at work or school, or even experience speech impediments as a result of not sleeping (just as you would with too much alcohol).
Other common short-term effects of sleep deprivation include memory impairment and difficulty concentrating. Indeed, numerous studies with students have also shown that sleep deprivation directly affects the ability to learn and retain information.
But this does not end there; sleep deprivation can also increase the risk of a number of more serious health problems.
Studies show that people who don’t get enough sleep frequently suffer from hormonal imbalances that have been linked to weight gain, which, as we all know, can lead to a wide variety of different health problems.
Other studies have shown that people who sleep little also suffer from high blood pressure, as well as an elevated heart rate. Research also suggests that sleep deprivation may cause an increase in C-reactive protein levels, an indicator of heart disease.
Research from the 1990s has also shown that sleep deprivation can affect the immune system. More specifically, studies indicate that it can lower the body’s defenses against infection.
Lack of sleep has also been shown to affect the proper functioning of metabolism, increasing the risk of developing diabetes and other diseases.
CBD AND I DREAM
The endocannabinoid system has been shown to be directly involved in mediating sleep. In 2013, for example, a study published in the journal Sleep Medicine set out to test the theory that compounds in cannabis and hemp can reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
The researchers monitored the sleep cycles of male rats given various chemicals, including an endogenous cannabinoid known as 2-AG (or 2-arachidonoylglycerol).
The study revealed that 2-AG increased the activation of the hormone that concentrates melanin and therefore increased REM sleep. They also found that CB1 receptor antagonists could prevent the increase in REM sleep. Based on these results, the study authors concluded that the endocannabinoid system is clearly involved in the modulation of sleep, especially REM sleep.
Thanks to its anxiolytic and sedative effects, as well as its ability to stimulate the endocannabinoid system without producing side effects, CBD can help achieve healthy sleep patterns and restore the circadian rhythm.
mELADOL TO THE RESCUE
Meladol is a sleep supplement that combines melatonin and CBD. Melatonin is an endogenous hormone known for its role in sleep induction and control of the human circadian rhythm. Combined with the anti-anxiety properties of CBD, this blend is the perfect supplement for anyone who needs to catch up on a deep night’s rest.
Unlike conventional sleep medications, Meladol does not cause any side effects. Instead, it’s a natural way to realign your body’s sleep cycle and wake up feeling rejuvenated and well-rested. To learn more about Meladol and how it works, click here.
